This is probably no brainstorm on my part, but this quarter I finally got around to setting up a sign-in sheet at the front desk for students who are in the library independently. I still require "indies" to bring a library pass from their teacher, but having everyone sign in helps me in many other ways, too. The sign in sheet includes: Name, Period, Class, Time in and Time Out.

1. It establishes a record of who is in here right now. In case they are goofing around and I don't know their names, I have a list to consult.

2. It establishes a record of who was here, and when. This is helpful for others in the building, too--teachers curious about whether kids actually came in, administrators or security who want to know if a kid's alibi is true, etc.

3. It creates documentation about how much work the library staff actually does with independent students--vital for establishing the need for support staff!